North West police warn motorists of hitch-hikers

Police in the North West province warn motorists to exercise caution and be alert to avoid at all costs giving lifts to hitch-hikers irrespective whether they are males or females as some of them victimising the same motorists who offered them lifts by robbing them their vehicles or goods.

Police also appeal to people who will be offered hikes or lifts to their destinations to be warned that when they get into any vehicle that they are not familiar with, they must be able to identify the vehicle they are traveling with, take the registration numbers and if possible they must inform their relatives immediately after getting into those vehicles or lifts.

Hitch- hikers are also advised to take note of the type or model of the vehicle and they must be able to identify the driver.

Motorists as well as hitch- hikers can contact the nearest police station in case of any incident they come across or any suspicious strangers or hitch-hikers. Police can be contacted on 08600 10111.

Police will be working hard on members of the community who attack police officials and prevent them from doing their job when they are arrested for the crime they have committed.

Peter Mokaba’s mothe dies

Johannesburg – The mother of the late ANC MP Peter Mokaba has died, the Star reported on Tuesday.

According to the newspaper, community and anti-apartheid activist Priscilla Mokaba, 76, died of lung cancer at the Polokwane home of her daughter Mapula on Sunday.

She was one of several political activists jailed in the 1980s. Her son was a former president of the ANC Youth League.

The African National Congress reportedly described her as a distinguished activist who had stood firm against the apartheid regime.

President Jacob Zuma reportedly phoned the family to convey his condolences.

At the time of her death, Mokaba was reportedly involved in establishing soccer teams for elderly women and girls, teaching people beadwork, and running a vegetable project.

SAPA

The body found at collapsed Tongaat mall

Johannesburg – The body of a suspected robber has been discovered at the collapsed Tongaat mall in KwaZulu-Natal, The Star reported on Tuesday.

According to the newspaper, the man allegedly robbed a woman of her necklace at a nearby shop before fleeing to the cordoned off construction site.

Colonel Jay Naicker reportedly told the paper that a passerby became aware of the body about two weeks later, because of a strong smell.

Two people died at the site on 19 November, when a concrete slab collapsed on top of workers building the mall. Several others were injured.

SAPA

Malaria claims 14 lives in Limpopo

Polokwane – Malaria has claimed the lives of at least 14 people in Limpopo since October.
While the number of deaths is normal for this time of year, the number of individual malaria cases has risen sharply, said provincial health spokesperson Adele van der Linde.

Last year, only 548 malaria cases were reported between April and December.

This year, 1 498 cases have already been reported and this figure is expected to rise even more, she said.
“As we are approaching the middle of the summer, more malaria cases are to be expected in the known malaria transmission areas of Vhembe, eastern Mopani, Giyani, Musina and Malamulele,” warned Van der Linde.
She said the department is monitoring all health facilities in the province daily to detect any increases and to respond when necessary.

Malaria tests and treatment are already available at all health facilities.

Van der Linde said 42 teams are currently spraying the inside of homes in malaria risk areas to ward of mosquitoes.
“The target is to spray 990 000 structures during the current malaria season. Of these, 560 000 structures have already been sprayed,” she said.

Limpopo uses the DDT residual spraying programme to control and prevent malaria.
DDT, which has been banned in many countries, was used in South Africa from 1946 until 1996 when the government also banned its use because of its effect on the environment, on the human immune system and on human hormones.
After it was banned, South Africa was hit by a malaria epidemic that left hundreds dead and thousands infected.

After its reintroduction in 2000, the number of malaria cases dropped from 64 868 to 7 754 in 2005.
Malaria can be prevented by remaining indoors between dusk and dawn, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and spraying aerosol insecticide for flying insects indoors, especially the bedrooms after closing the windows, at dusk.
Mosquito coils or mosquito mats may also be burned in living and sleeping areas during the night.
People can also hang a mosquito-proof net over bed, with edges tucked in under the mattress.

African Eye

Malria claims 14 lives in Limpopo

Last year, only 548 malaria cases were reported between April and December.

Malaria tests and treatment are already available at all health facilities.

African Eye

Cokonyane alleged serial rapist remains in custody

By Obakeng Maje
Taung-A case of Cokonyane alleged serial rapist and murderer Gaopalelwe Sedimo,21, was postponed for further investigations.

Sedimo was arrested after he allegedly raped, kidnapped a 16 year-old girl, Tsholofelo Thobi and allegedly murdered her grandfather Joseph Thobi,56.

Police said Sedimo allegedly visited Thobi’s family on Saturday prior the atrocity. He allegedly sat with Joseph Thobi under the tree and chat.
On Sunday the following day, Sedimo allegedly came to the house and tried to enter Tsholofelo Thobi’s shanty where she was sleeping.

Police said Tsholofelo was allegedly sitting with her grandfather Joseph Thobi at his bedroom and left at around 00:15 to go and sleep. She allegedly heard someone on top of the shanty trying to remove corrugated iron to gain entrance.

She allegedly screamed after she swa Sedimo’face.

Tsholofelo said she screamed for help and heard someone talking to her grandfather few minutes afterwards.

It was alleged that Sedimo kicked opened the Shanty’s door opened and kidnapped Tsholofelo and stabbed her with a knife.

Sedimo took Tsholofelo to his residential area where rape took place, according to Investigating Officer, Solomon Kagisho Phemelo.

Phemelo said Sedimo allegedly stabbed the victim two times on a shoulder and locked her up in the bedroom. Tsholofelo allegedly escape from Sedimo’s bedroom through the window and was taken home by the suspect’s father.

Police said Tsholofelo found people gathered at her home and was told that Joseph Thobi was allegedly stabbed to death.

However Sedimo’s lawyer refutes the claim that connect Sedimo with murder, kidnapping and rape.

Loeto Ikanyeng said his client will plead not guilty on all charges. He said Sedimo and Tsholofelo allegedly had cosensual sex and were lovers and still are.

Ikanyeng claims that Sedimo did not stab nor kill the grandfather and he will elaborates more during trial.

He argues that Sedimo must be granted bail as he is no threat to anyone including the victim. Ikanyeng said Sedimo will relocates to another area and will not bother nor interfer with investigations.

Sedimo’skeletons came out of the closet like dinosaurs fleeing Juriseen park as his two separated pending case were brought forward.

The Cokonyane-born man was remanded in custody and will appear back in court on 08 January 2014.

Sedimo will not plead guilty on all charges.
Police investigations continue.
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Taung taxi owner to spend Christmas and New year in custody

By Obakeng Maje
Taung-A case of Taung prominent taxi owner Xolani Lloyd Nkonyane was postponed for formal bail application.

The court postponed the case against Nkonyane after the investigating officer lieutenant Medupe did not appear before court as he was committed in other matters.

The despondent family of Nkonyane left court with tears as the lawyer could not convince the magistrate why Nkonyane must granted bail.

His lawyer Nakale argues that his client is not flight risk and said Nkonyane has assets worth a R1m.

He said a 34 year-old suspect has a child whom he is taking care of financial, so if he is not granted bail, his business interest suffers.

Nkonyane alleged owns taxi, livestock, catering and welding companies.

He was subsequently arrested in connection of business robbery and and attempted murder in Molelema village, near Taung.

Nkonyane was cornered at Picong village,almost 30km away from the crime scene. He was allegedly driving a minibus taxi that was used during commission of crime.

Nakale his client was allegedly assaulted during the arrested and his right were compromised.

A chinese shop owner was sunsequently robbed in Molelema village, near Taung three weeks ago and community members allegedly came to the owner’s rescue and chased after suspects.

Five suspects allegedly opened fire at the community members, but no one was injured.

Police were called and a chase continues. Nkonyane and other suspects were cornered, but four suspects managed to escape.

According to Nkonyane, he was allegedly hired to transport people to Molelema village and he was suprised when he was ordered to stop alsmost 30km away from crime scene.

Nkonyane said he was assaulted by contigent of police and was arrested afterwards.

Police never explained why they arrest him and was disappointed to learn about the nature of charges he is facing, said Nkonyane.

The case was postponed for 06 January 2014 for formal bail application and Nkonyane will spend christmas and New year behind bars.

He was previously found guilty in two cases of malicious damage to property and assault.

Police investigations continue.-TDN
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